Today, the number of people suffering from cancer has increased. However, the good news is, the methods of treatment have also increased, and the medical sector has invested a lot in treating cancer. Every type of cancer comes in stages, and it is important to detect it early for immediate treatment. During the late stages, it is difficult to treat cancer, considering that the cells have advanced to other parts of the body. It is crucial for you to know the signs of cancer, get diagnosed and treated early to prevent the spread of the tumor. The first thing you need is to recognize when there are unusual changes in your body. Before you go to a Take2 Health doctor for diagnosis, it is important to have a clue of the common signs and symptoms of cancer. This article will list down top 9 main signs and symptoms of cancer. If you experience any of these health problems, it is vital to talk to your doctor about them and have them checked for early diagnosis.
- Blood in Stool
Blood in your stool could be caused by many things. It could be a result of ulcers, infections, or hemorrhoids. It does not necessarily mean that it is cancer. If there is blood in your stool, the origin is definitely from somewhere between the esophagus and the rectum. You need to know where the blood is coming from, and you can know this by looking at the color. Dark-colored blood means the blood is from a higher part of the stomach. If the blood is bright red, the origin may be the intestines. Whatever the origin of the blood, it is crucial to have it checked, and certain tests carried out.
- Loss of Appetite
There are many causes of loss of appetite. Conditions like flu and depression can cause less hunger, and this can go on for a long time. Cancer has a way of interfering with the metabolism, making the process slow. If you have ovarian, stomach, or pancreatic cancer there could be too much pressure on the stomach, and this way, you may always feel full.
- Changes with the Skin
It is very easy for you to notice when there is a change in the skin. Whenever you have a health problem your skin can help in detecting it. If you notice a problem with the skin around your face, it could be a good idea to go for a nasopharyngeal cancer blood test service. Changes in the eye color or fingertips could be a sign of cancer or an infection. Therefore, it will be crucial to notify your doctor about it. If you realize you have moles on the skin, contact the doctor if they start becoming darker or start growing.
- Unending Fever
If you have a fever that does not go away, it is vital you see the doctor. Sometimes the fever can clear up after a cold or flu. However, if it is recurring, it could be connected to cancer. Pay attention when you sweat a lot at night, when you have a fever without an infection or when you notice the fever happens mostly at night. If you notice any other above, see the doctor to have your body checked.
- Weight Loss
One of the main signs you will notice if you have cancer is weight loss. Most patients realize this as the first thing. If you experience unexplainable weight loss, it could be a sign of cancer. Losing a few pounds in a week could be something normal. However, if you lose many pounds within a short time, this could be an early sign of cancer. Think of visiting your doctor for a checkup.
- Fatigue
If you feel a different kind of fatigue rather than how you feel after a long day of work, it could be an early warning of cancer. The fatigue does not go away with time, and there is a reason. When cancer invades the body, it consumes most of the nutrients in the body such that there are not enough nutrients to rejuvenate the body. This is the reason why you might feel tired all the time. Although fatigue may not be necessarily a sign of cancer, it is advisable you see your doctor for a diagnosis.
- Pain
Pain can be a result of different health issues, and cancer could be one of them. However, if the pain persists, there could be an underlying issue that needs handling. Cancer pain can be due to different things like:
- A tumor pressing on another part of the body
- The chemicals released by cancer
- Spreading of cancer from the origin
If this pain does not go away after some time, it is advisable to see the doctor immediately. It could be cancer developing, and early detection will help to stop it.
- Unending Cough
Flu or cold is normal but if it does not go away, it could be a symptom of cancer. The cough can be accompanied by weight loss, chest pains, fatigue, breathe shortness, and hoarseness. If you have tried all the remedies and the cough does not stop, it is good to see the doctor, especially if you are a smoker.
- Lumps on Different Areas
Lumps on different areas could be a sign of various things. However, if you have a lump on the neck, it could be a sign of thyroid or throat cancer. The lumps are not painful, and if you notice one that will not go away, visit your doctor. In case you have breast cancer, you could experience lumps under the arms. This is also another reason to see your doctor.
Conclusion
These are not the only signs you could experience with cancer. There are a lot of ways your body will react. The best thing is to notice when there is a difference with your body and see your doctor. Even though you may notice these changes, it does not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, know when something is unusual and visit your doctor. An early diagnosis helps in early treatment before cancer gets to the next stage.
